Maybe we should just get the dictionary re-written and change the definition of all those offensive words. Start teaching the newborns that those words mean something pleasant. Then 50 years from now nobody would be offended if they were called one of those words because those words would be pleasant instead of offensive as they are today. I guess I'm just a person who doesn't get offended by any kind of language that is spoken to me.
Long ago, in the dark ages, when I was in HS, I had a reading assignment to read "The Virginian", s story about the old west, the details of which I have long forgotten, except with one exception. At a point in the story, an adversary said something offensive to the main character, who responded, "When you call me that, you better be smiling", whcich sent a subtle message we seem to have forgotten today.
More important that what is said, is often what was MEANT by what was said. An insult is only an insult, if it was INTENDED (by whomever actually said it) to be insulting. Most times if you aren't sure if an insult was intended, you can usually let the first one go, because if insulting you was the true objective, there will usually be a follow up, which will provide the opportunity to respond.
Especially on a football field, initial comments are very often emotional outbursts to specific circumstances fueled by frustration and/or dissappointment, and aren't intended to insult. A far less confrontational response, but one that can be even more effective, might be "the look" (the one your mother gave you when acted really stupid in public, and caused you to dred going home).
If insulting was the objective, you can pretty much count on confirmation coming.
